It has been an incredibly hectic festive period with most teams playing three matches since the weekend of the 21st and 22nd December and the final game in this crazy period, in terms of the Premier League, takes place on the 1st and 2nd January for all 20 teams, with the majority of games being played on New Year’s Day.
The final set of games of 2019 has been a positive one for Liverpool as although they have played one fewer game than their other Premier League rivals (bar West Ham), the Reds have strengthened their position at the top of the table, thanks to Leicester and Manchester City dropping points, while the Reds have won both the games they have played in the Premier League, as well as winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar just before Christmas.
We have the usual New Year’s Day fixture list to enjoy to kick off a new decade in 2020, with just one game, Liverpool against Sheffield United, taking place a day later. The remaining 18 teams clash on the opening day of the year with the eye-catching clash being the game between two former Premier League giants as Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates.
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Listed below are the matches that are scheduled to take place on the 1st and 2nd January, the last round of Premier League games before the FA Cup Third Round takes precedence at the weekend.
Premier League – Matchday 21
- Brighton v Chelsea (12.30)
Brighton come into this game on the back of a solid 2-0 win over Bournemouth, while Chelsea earned a last gasp 2-1 win over Arsenal, coming back from 1-0 down with less than ten minutes of the game remaining. Chelsea’s away form is better than their home this season and Brighton will be well aware of the threat Chelsea pose on the counter attack. Fatigue could be an influence in every game here but I think both these sides will have that issue and as such, I am backing Chelsea’s extra quality to be the difference-maker here. Back Chelsea to win this 2-0 at 10/1 with bet365.
- Burnley v Aston Villa (12.30)
It has been a turgid Christmas period for Aston Villa with just one win in their last five games, while Burnley have lost their last two games too. This is a crucial game for both teams here and both sides have struggled to find goals, Burnley netting just 23, Villa just 25. Villa’s defensive record though is worse that Burnley but other than that I feel the teams are well-matched. This will be close and I think one goal will decide it in Burnley’s favour. Take Burnley to win 1-0 at 7/1.
- Newcastle United v Leicester City
Leicester have won just one of their last four games (away to West Ham) while Newcastle suffered a rare home defeat to Everton last time out and Steve Bruce will be wanting a response to that here against the Foxes. For me, Leicester will have Jamie Vardy back after being rested against West Ham and his pace will cause the home side lots of problems. Newcastle very rarely lose twice in a row at home though and despite Vardy’s return, I still feel the home side will earn something from this game. Back the draw here at 1-1 with bet365 at 7/1.
- Southampton v Tottenham
The Saints have picked up seven of the last nine points available to move up to 15th in the table, while Tottenham’s form has been less consistent, picking up just four. This is a tricky game for Jose Mourinho’s Champions League place chasing team against a Saints side that have bounced back well in recent weeks after a dismal opening few months of the season. I can’t see Southampton’s leaky defence keeping Spurs out though, but I do feel that the home side’s form is such that they could reasonably expect to pick up a point from the game. Back an entertaining 2-2 draw here at 12/1.
- Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Watford have started to find their feet under Nigel Pearson and the Hornets have moved off the bottom of the table having picked up seven from the last nine points available. Wolves completed the double over Man City before losing narrowly at Anfield to Liverpool and they have lost just four games all season long. As tough to beat as Wolves are, I can’t quite see Watford continuing their good run of form with a win here, but I do feel the Hornets can perhaps earn a point. I’d tip this one as a 1-1 draw at odds of 6/1.
- Manchester City v Everton (5.30)
Which Everton team will turn up at the Etihad for this game? The one that was relegation bound under Marco Silva, or the one that has been reinvigorated by Duncan Ferguson and now Carlo Ancelotti? City have the undoubted quality to cause Everton a few problems here and in truth, it is hard to see how City could drop points if you look at the strength of the teams. However, Everton’s mentality is so much improved that I think this will be a tough game for the home side. Back a narrow Manchester City win here by a 2-1 scoreline at 17/2.
- Norwich City v Crystal Palace (5.30)
Norwich boss Daniel Farke must realise that it is now imperative for Norwich to start picking up three points, especially in home games against mid to lower table sides. The Canaries have dropped far too many points in these games this season and in truth, I can see them doing precisely that here. Palace have scored just 18 goals this season, only Watford have fewer, but they have conceded just 22, only bettered by Sheff Utd, Leicester and Liverpool. This will be a close one but I think a 1-1 draw is a good shout here at 6/1.
- West Ham v Bournemouth (5.30)
It would be fair to say that over the past couple of months, these two teams have displayed relegation form, which has seen them plummet down the table into 17th and 16th respectively. West Ham do have a game in hand over the Cherries, but that is against Liverpool. This is a must-win game for both teams but neither really look capable of doing that given their current form. However, with home advantage and a new manager coming in, I fancy West Ham to get a bounce from that and pick up a vital three points here. Back West Ham to win 2-0 at 10/1.
- Arsenal v Manchester United (8.00)
Mikel Arteta has seen positive signs in his first two games as Arsenal manager but a draw at Bournemouth and home defeat to Chelsea will be a worry for the ex-Man City coach. United have won their last two after their poor defeat at Watford but even so, I don’t think Solskjaer’s team have turned a corner – there have been many false dawns before with this team. The Gunners won’t be easy to beat at home despite that Chelsea result and United’s away form is poor this season. As such, I can see this one ending in a draw. Take the 1-1 draw here at 13/2.
- Liverpool v Sheffield Utd (8pm – Tue 2nd Jan)
Liverpool fans have had a superb Christmas, World Club Champions, two more Premier League victories and their main rivals dropping points means that they have strengthened their position at the top of the table, picked up silverware and now have a game in hand too. Sheffield United’s three game winning run ended and this is a tough game for them. Defensively they’ll be strong but I can’t see them keeping Liverpool out for 90 minutes. Back Liverpool to win 2-0 at 13/2.
*All odds shown were correct as of 10.30am on Monday 30th December 2019
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